DOJ sues Denver over semi-automatic rifle ban as mayor remains defiant

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Denver on Tuesday over the Colorado city’s 37-year-old ban on so-called “assault weapons,” including constitutionally protected semi-automatic rifles, after the Democratic mayor signaled defiance.

The court filing alleges Denver’s firearms ordinance features “politically charged rhetoric” regarding its use of the term “assault weapon.” AR-15-style rifles fall under this category, per the law, despite being the most popular rifle in the nation.

“When the City banned AR-15 style rifles with standard capacity magazines, it banned an arm in common use for lawful purposes by law-abiding citizens,” the federal lawsuit states. “Therefore, the Ordinance violates the Second Amendment, and the United States brings this action to vindicate the rights of Denver citizens whose rights have been—and are continuing to be—violated by Defendants.”

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon brought the legal action against Denver’s city-county government and police department.

“I have directed the Civil Rights